Low Class CRKT

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popcornpicker

Joined
Apr 3, 2007
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Does anyone have any experience with the new cheap CRKT knives? I just bought a Tighe Tack that is AUS 6M and a M16 EDC that is AUS 4. I got them online at what I thought was a really good price. Are they crap or what can I expect from them?
 
CRKT knives are generally regarded as no-nonsense users that get the job done. I've heard of some complaints over CRKT's steel choices, but I have a Lightfoot M1 in Aus-8 and Ryan Plan B in Aus-6, and I am very happy with both knives. The F&F is good and considering what I paid for them, it's a lot of knife for the money.

You should be pretty happy with your choices. You might have to sharpen them more often, but they definitely qualify as pretty good knives for the money.

I figure CRKT can't be doing too bad considering they have so many collaborations with highly regarded custom makers.

Enjoy the new knives :thumbup:
 
CRKT is pretty good, have some nice designs, but generally those who can afford Benchmade/Kershaw/Spyderco use them instead.
 
I have a M16-01k (Al handles) and it's been good to me. As for sharpness, its decently sharp out of the box, but it can actually be much sharper if you sharpen it more. And it gets the job done and you won't be all depressed if you happen to scratch a knife up (unlike customs and higher end models).
 
SharpOne said:
I have a M16-01k (Al handles) and it's been good to me. As for sharpness, its decently sharp out of the box, but it can actually be much sharper if you sharpen it more. And it gets the job done and you won't be all depressed if you happen to scratch a knife up (unlike customs and higher end models).
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You get depressed when you scratch up your knives? :confused:

As with most things, you do get what you pay for. I have only had experience with the relatively "high end" AUS 8 models, which are solid knives. I don't care for low end steel.
 
It seemed like the steel on the CRKT knives that I've owned ran softer than the same steels from other companies. This was especially noticeable in the Apache model I owned.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
You get depressed when you scratch up your knives? :confused:
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No, maybe i chose the wrong word. What i am saying is that for some or most, it might probably mess up their day if they use their Sebenza or some custom knife and happen to scratch the blade up or chip it badly. The CRKT line-up is, IMO, a beater knife that is relatively inexpensive and gets the job done.
 
I am impressed with CRKT fixed blades. I would never buy one of their folders. I hate cheap liner locks. Their FBs are really good. I have used the hell out of mine, a Hammond ABC and a Crawford Falcon. AUS8 and AUS6m are tough steels that need to be resharpened often but are easy to get a razor edge on. I don't consider AUS8 a lowend steel at all.

I am not into customs. I see a knife as a tool and love to use them. I also have a lost a few knives in my day and I don't want to freak over something that can easily be replaced. I love production knives.
 
I definitely wouldn't call CRKT folders "cheap," maybe inexpensive but not cheap. I know and have read about a good number of people who swear by their CRKT folders as workhorse knives that can take a beating. My M1 is very solid and the liners are thick and reliable.
 
low class? really? I have a M1 greg lightfoot tatical design, model M1-03k. no idea what the metal is, doesnt say...but this is a brute of a knife I keep in one of my go bags for work. never sharpened it,doesnt need it but it's used alot. I like CRKT knives, most are a tad thick for EDC and have rough pocket eating edges...but so are/do Emerson knives. havent heard too many complaints about them.but then again, I am a newbie to the forum, what do I know? What is my blade metal? got it a few years ago. Four yearsago I believe.
 
I also have the M1 Greg Lightfoot folder. I also had the M-16 tanto with the flipper. .....I am torn about these. The lock on the m16 failed after a while (but I was using in in an environment with silicon carbide sandblasters....so my fault for using it in such an abrasive environment I guess). But that one got lost anyway (when we were shooting off the bowling ball cannons). I still have the MI greg lightfoot design. It fits my hand very well, it is sharp, but I find the grind on the edge a bit too delicate for me. I have had the edge roll over several times on light cutting chores, so I went to a thicker edge bevel. I have not been carrying it for several years (my EDC is recon 1 tanto) but I pulled it out today to look at it and carry it again. .....

I just don't feel that it is as strong for heavier use. I really wish I could find exactly the same design with a longer thicker blade and stouter handle scales (and possibly an axis type lock, instead of the liner lock)
 
I have a desert cruiser (jim hammond) dual flippers w/ line lock & an extra side lock ! its a good edc beater that you don't worry about ! Very smoothe & fast ball bearing open. the only thing I don't like is it's a little thick in the pocket. It seems to be a good fit & finish, the knife looks great. It came w/ 2-clips ( left or right) & is tip up or down carry. :thumbup:
 
YES, the CRKT knives aren't what they used to be. Liner locks are problematic, but CRKT's Lake and Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS) makes the liner lock almost respectable. I'm ticked at the company for downgrading its steel, while not changing the knife's model number or designation. If I want to sell a like new knife on eBay, I can advertise it as an AUS6, but in reality it could be an AUS4 (which is junk). I'm no steel snob, but I draw the line at AUS6. So if you have an M16, who knows what the blade is?

As far as locking knives go, Spyderco and Benchmade make super knives. But their blade lengths are too short for my taste. I like a 5-inch blade and I've found Cold Steel's Voyager to be a good knife with decent steel. (I also like their 6-inchers).
 
Ludwig said:
I definitely wouldn't call CRKT folders "cheap," maybe inexpensive but not cheap.
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That was poor word choice on my part. In general, I do not like liner locks and on inexpensive knives, knife companies usually skimp.

CRKT is a good solid knife company. I just wish they would use lockbacks.
 
chrisaloia said:
That was poor word choice on my part. In general, I do not like liner locks and on inexpensive knives, knife companies usually skimp.

CRKT is a good solid knife company. I just wish they would use lockbacks.
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Yeah, I know what you mean, I really wished CRKT would offer some lockbacks too. Like you, I try to steer away from liner-locks, but sometimes I can't help myself so I'll just leave my liner locking folders for lighter cutting chores.
 
I got about 4 CRKT neck knives
For the price they are great
I haven't really done any major testing of the blades though
I got one called a Dogfish and it has a bottle opener built in!!
W00T!!!!!
:thumbup:
:thumbup:
 
Confederate said:
YES, the CRKT knives aren't what they used to be. Liner locks are problematic, but CRKT's Lake and Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS) makes the liner lock almost respectable. I'm ticked at the company for downgrading its steel, while not changing the knife's model number or designation. If I want to sell a like new knife on eBay, I can advertise it as an AUS6, but in reality it could be an AUS4 (which is junk). I'm no steel snob, but I draw the line at AUS6. So if you have an M16, who knows what the blade is?

As far as locking knives go, Spyderco and Benchmade make super knives. But their blade lengths are too short for my taste. I like a 5-inch blade and I've found Cold Steel's Voyager to be a good knife with decent steel. (I also like their 6-inchers).
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I do believe that they have a different designator for their cheap M16 knives. I was able to tell the difference when I bought one for my brother before his deployment. The AUS4 blades are labeled differently.
 
Purchased my first CRKT this year. Was curious about the outburst assisted opening. It was the Russ Kommer design. Blade steel AUS-8. It takes one sharp edge. I had to do extensive work to the knife to make it operate better. Has nice curb appeal, but you get what you pay for. Would never be my EDC. Will never know how long the edge holds up as it now sits in its original box.
 
I just got a M16 EDC and zytel handles that is AUS 4, to give to a kid going into the army as a beater.
Excuse me but it is junk.
Flimsy and weak, that I would not rely on.
I will not be giving it to him.
It is exactly the kind of knife that gives CRKT a bad name.

On the other hand I have a M16 3" Tanto with Aluminum handles in AUS8, which is excellent for the price ($30).
Sturdy and holds an edge well.
Very easy to sharpen.
I use it for camping and am pleased with it.

I also have a Tighe Tac that is AUS 6M with a 2 3/4 " blade.
Well made and opens easily is firm, again good for the price ($18).
The blade is a bit too 'tactical' thin and pointy to be a useful EDC.
AUS6 does not hold an edge as AUS8.
I find there is a big difference.
I will not buy AUS6 again.
 
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